Ben Stokes puts England Test success first, Will Leave IPL early to prepare for Ashes

England all-rounder Ben Stokes has announced that he will be leaving the Indian Premier League (IPL) early to prepare fully for the upcoming Test series against Ireland and the Ashes in the summer of 2023. Despite being bought for £1.6m by Chennai Super Kings for the upcoming IPL season, Stokes has decided to prioritize his England Test preparations.

Stokes prioritizes Test preparations over IPL

Stokes, who is the Test captain and has led his team to 10 wins in 11 matches since taking over full-time, could have played the whole IPL competition and dropped in for the first Test at Lord’s. However, he has decided to return early to prepare for the summer Test extravaganza.

He has discussed his plans with other players to ensure they are fully prepared for the Ashes. The IPL final is scheduled for May 28, just four days before England’s first Test against Ireland at Lord’s, leading into a five-match Ashes series.

Stokes says he will discuss with the other players what they need to be ready for the Ashes, leaving the door open for some to miss the Ireland Test if they prefer.

Injury concerns for seamers

Stokes confirmed that he would ideally like to go in with an unchanged XI for the second Test against New Zealand in Wellington. However, there are question marks over whether he will be able to do that or not.

With seamers James Anderson, Ollie Robinson, and Stuart Broad being monitored after the 267-run win at Mount Maunganui. Robinson is most likely to rest after suffering discomfort below his left knee on day three.

The options to replace him, if he cannot make it through the Test, are Matthew Potts, who offers a similar unerring accuracy, or the extra pace of Olly Stone.

Stokes’ decision shows commitment to England

Overall, Stokes’ decision to leave the IPL early to prepare for the upcoming Test series against Ireland and the Ashes reflects his commitment to the England team.

He has discussed his plans with other players, and the ECB has worked with players to manage fixture clashes between international and T20 tournaments. Stokes’ focus on the Ashes highlights the importance of this series for England and the need for all players to be fully prepared.

Stokes’ decision to prioritize his England Test preparations over the IPL shows his commitment to the national team. With the Ashes looming, it is crucial for England to have all players fully prepared, and Stokes’ decision sets a good example for the rest of the team. The ECB’s work to manage fixture clashes between international and T20 tournaments also shows their commitment to the national team.